Didiza will not get involved after ANC voices concern about evidence leader for impeachment committee

National Assembly Speaker Thoko Didiza at an ANC NEC meeting at Birchwood Hotel and OR Tambo Conference Centre on 25 January 2026 in Johannesburg. Picture: Gallo Images/Sharon Seretlo National Assembly Speaker Thoko Didiza said she will not get involved in the selection of an evidence leader for the Section 89 Impeachment Committee. The committee is looking into the possible impeachment of President Cyril Ramaphosa.

The impeachment committee this week announcedit will recommend Advocate Thandazani Madonsela as evidence leaderfor the potential hearings into Ramaphosa’s Phala Phala matter. Madonsela got the nomination with nine votes, ahead of the seven garnered by Advocate Kate Hofmeyer. ANC Secretary-General Fikile Mbalula, however, said the party plans to object to Madonsela’s appointment over concerns about his impartiality.

He said Madonsela previously advised the ANC on Section 89 matters, which creates a conflict of interest. Didiza responded on Saturday by saying that the information given to her by Mbalula will be given to the committee and it must decide what to do with it. “The ANC states that the disclosure does not constitute an objection to the committee’s decision, nor does it question the integrity or independence of Adv Madonsela SC, but is intended to place the information formally on record before the process is concluded,” said Parliament’s spokesperson Moloto Mothapo.

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He said the possible conflict of interest in Madonsela’s appointment falls within the impeachment committee’s processes. “Accordingly, the speaker has referred the communication to the chairperson of the committee for consideration by the committee.”

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